---
title: Advising Anyone Who Feels Unheard by Medical Professionals
date: 2022-11-10T20:20:39-05:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-advising-anyone-who-feels-unheard-by-medical-professionals"
section: "Stories & Conversations"
---
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[Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# Advising Anyone Who Feels Unheard by Medical Professionals

EH provides advice on advocating for ourselves when you feel dismissed by doctors. In addition to speaking up, there are networks of support that we can seek out.

## Transcript

**OBOS Today:** I wonder if you could give any advice to someone who might be in a similar situation.   
  
I know you mentioned finding products on Etsy and reaching out to your friends and other sources of information, but I wonder if there's any other advice or strategies, you have for people in a similar situation?   
  
**EH:** I think to the extent that you feel comfortable and safe doing so, it is okay to push back on medical professionals and ask is that related to my condition or is that related to what I'm here for or is that necessary?   
  
And most folks may be a little annoyed at you, but they will answer you and may modify, right, their behavior, their recommendations, their plan of care if you push back and insist on sort of digging in for yourself around your body.   
  
I also just want to name that you're not alone and you're not crazy and like if you feel like you've been treated poorly or differently, you probably have been and there's a whole community of people out there who want to support you and help guide you through the process.   
  
And it may not look like a traditional, you know, mom blog or you know, internet forum, and there's still people out there who are like you and who want to support you.

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ heart health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/heart-health)
- [ mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/mental-health)
- [self-advocacy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/self-advocacy)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## A Disabled Person's Guide to Talking With Your Partner(s) About Sex

Disabled writer Carrie Kaufman created this excellent guide for disabled people who want help communicating sexually with their partners.

![Pexels judita tamosiunaite 2026764 scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

Disabled writer Carrie Kaufman created this excellent guide for disabled people who want help communicating sexually with their partners.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-disabled-persons-guide-to-talking-with-your-partners-about-sex)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Infertility

ES describes her journey of infertility as she and her husband tried to get pregnant and a painful procedure with a male doctor while seeking a diagnosis.

![Elena](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAE5UlEQVRIiV1WbY7kuhEjJfUMsMjfHD8HyBFyp+x7Ad72tC0VyfyQ3bOJURCqG3Z9kVUl/uNf/wRIEOxkBzs5yA4OsIM9aEBz4MCJbVmSqkqqqlVrap9rqaarVCuSLTiNABEQQIAQW/mfJ//3T+5XEiSXcn+Ytx4AGUQAAiGC7QzYSrC/v60nSBInSYw48a0ENt5n7g+T0RAwQANCeCuAgcYk3O8hSYLYsRNdyhYpfoth4a0ko9MAAYO8TRtoiUMyDO70roi1LVqVLRZUkaCCCxYkWLBhjw4DABqwoeC2BBKX9SRMYCd2ZKu2datSy7VcK1qpSlW08nYQjw4BxBWoACYK6fAGLzB3fSxbirSNei3XypqpmbVSK7WignYSTjIGBPKiURAyoCOC2UwIY8S3g6pbptdyTa/ptVLTtVK1yxV7Az46BRDYaMJhSAQBedGGMaLs8F1SLa+lNV3La15S86pPKb7CRzJ6BABsG1+CCu6MOmyYMay4ZEmrXEtrak3NqXVqzSsbLdd3+LshRkcB3CQEbp7uSiUwY0ZJxSVXeS2tpXVe1ufpNbXOXZ9NqjiwN0FGiwAELeh3P5EAnKTFzGaE5JJXXYHP85J1eJ5e8yKSdovsXgOA0VIAg+x2IPhGA2kQI7zD11qeS/PUPHQemofm4Xl8Y3BV/3ucDEa5RwXfEyWAe5wIESzv8H2V/tB56Hxt8Ty8TtdMLezwd2+CAAbs3+aUdokSxImaBRdScunCdlfmPHS+6vjy+aXz5XVknVHBQpAQaEQDOeLNmgtlh4luB4lu/lR53aTcJTpeOr50PH0+PV9ZR7RiIwQ60MkGtGE5YNACOwzkcNPMe6S/Aaj1ncR56tw+njr+8vkr65k6YQMD+AAfe6OM0jUNEhpWmmMHMix6s07a3at103TO7aNeX3795fMPnz9TuAYbP9D+Bn6CY1TlxnWDaoUy7HuilH1hsAu1a7U0l85Tx6HXL79++kAWcjmY6H+g/QA/xyr85gBGlMgpW4YKkvXtYHfDZlRpls6p15ee8BPbBzYED6B/oc0x1zczdzdsBzLKUMW1h6hdTvn6WVHZy5quo/SEfsLre5lez6PGufakI0CDu8OcyJAh3Uulkntr3dSiilpd87N+PbUgwO9tvR0sjGO1XbZ85wEHNuRIvy3EawEjYtziZg3rUetHPf9TsPDt453HeC1eSx4t77kdJNda1TV9YSF79oVxc7ozlE/5R+XvC/8uqO6VawDowWN8zSsD8mru6wzjtw9YvK23pAc9GMGH8Sn+KHihL3wtHAULzRjGANp4zkYABEGSBEnwfT/a3XBtNCZEWtKCETzMh9unm4pZ6Sc+JtaEFlKgQIPjuQiQQCMvAdq18okEgk3vyqQFDejAAEfah5s0rE+so50YL6wv6Akfbwyes+G6OKKTnVtBA1vCECZu6wiRBvawhyN8pMk99Zl18ET7hfEn6hsFZPyqtkdfJwY5vk+0oCE0YOQa5w37b3a0gab0h7v14QUc4J9oQPsd6fGsXR88yAfxaDCvYd43+CbD5OoVsIF9n2k9baTLw4W8cN86L7oayPgSCQxChBsTsKERjSGvMYswee8QXpzePtjSuntX7y/5t1bbr2WcRgNMgmhAb1AgoF+tl7tlrqvZncd9soUtrXm0pV2fdrcaAfwXZxiqfwx6SKMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)

ES describes her journey of infertility as she and her husband tried to get pregnant and a painful procedure with a male doctor while seeking a diagnosis.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-infertility)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Finding a Perimenopause Specialist

JF recalls the research she did to find a perimenopause specialist in her area who would accept her insurance.

![My Story- Finding a Perimenopause Specialist](data:image/png;base64,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)

JF recalls the research she did to find a perimenopause specialist in her area who would accept her insurance.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-finding-a-perimenopause-specialist)

[ResourcesLook

## Black Birthing Bill of Rights

The Black Birthing Bill of Rights is a resource for self-advocacy and for prompting policymakers and institutions to better support Black pregnant people.

![Black Birthing Bill of Rights scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

The Black Birthing Bill of Rights is a resource for self-advocacy and for prompting policymakers and institutions to better support Black pregnant people.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/black-birthing-bill-of-rights)

[ResourcesRead

## Choices in Childbirth

A collection of videos, articles, and downloadable worksheets to help pregnant people make pregnancy, birthing, and post-birth choices that are right for them.

![Choices in Childbirth scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

A collection of videos, articles, and downloadable worksheets to help pregnant people make pregnancy, birthing, and post-birth choices that are right for them.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/choices-in-childbirth)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Giving Advice to Other Endometriosis Advocates

HG discusses the importance of self-advocacy as it relates to endometriosis and the benefits of working with other advocates.

![My Story: Giving Advice to Other Endometriosis Advocates](data:image/png;base64,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)

HG discusses the importance of self-advocacy as it relates to endometriosis and the benefits of working with other advocates.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-giving-advice-to-other-endometriosis-advocates)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Empowering Yourself to Empower Others

IK discusses self-advocacy for marginalized populations, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy for women seeking an ADHD diagnosis.

![Isabella](data:image/png;base64,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)

IK discusses self-advocacy for marginalized populations, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy for women seeking an ADHD diagnosis.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-empowering-yourself-to-empower-others)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Advocating for Myself as a Woman With ADHD

IK discusses her eight year process of getting a diagnosis for ADHD and the limited research on ADHD in women.

![Isabella looks at the camera, and she is wearing eyeglasses and a dark shirt. She sits in a room with a bright window and tan walls.](data:image/png;base64,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)

IK discusses her eight year process of getting a diagnosis for ADHD and the limited research on ADHD in women.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-advocating-for-myself-as-a-woman-with-adhd)